Follow the story:

Updates

Hermilio Franco, 53

Posted Nov. 8, 2010, 11:14 a.m.

Hermilio Franco, identified by the coroner's office as a 53-year-old white man, was shot and killed Wednesday, Nov. 3, in the 9300 block of Gainford Street in Downey, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Officers responded to Franco's home about 2:50 a.m. after getting a call reporting a prowler on the scene and the sound of gunshots, said Lt. Phil Rigo, a spokesman for the Downey Police Department.

When officers entered the home they found Franco dead and another man with a gunshot wound, Rigo said.

The wounded man was taken into custody and is at a hospital in serious condition, where he is expected to survive. A second suspect was seen leaving the home, Rigo said.

Police are treating the incident as a home invasion that was interrupted by the resident. They have not released the name of the person in custody.

Anyone with information about the killing or the identity of the second suspect is asked to contact Downey police Dets. Sam Gatfield at (562) 904-2391 or Maria Villegas at (562) 904-2324. Those wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

It might be because it's not updated, but this guy is Mexican, not white. His name is Emilio Franco, owner of several El Farallon nightclubs, which are frequented by the narco and vaquero type thugs. He was also an actor, and came out in several gangster movies. It's easy to imagine what happened here. Some of my neighbors have already called it a 'hit.' Sad thing is, this is the 6th homicide in the city of Downey, which is very pleasant and peaceful city to live in.

The deceased is not white. He is Mexican, and his name is Emilio Franco. He was the owner of several El Farallon night clubs, and was an actor in several narco-type movies. Sad thing is, this is the 6th murder in Downey this year. That's surprising for this neighborhood.

— MeckNov. 9, 2010 at 5:27 p.m.“

Mr. Hermilio P. Franco was a generous, loving husband, father, friend and samaritan. At his memorial service thoughts were shared from loved ones of how Mr. Hermilio's love for others was constant and a humble man.The outpour of love was evident at his burial. People began to arrive at 10:00am for the 11am service and ended after 4pm. Many souls said their good bye's until next time, when we meet again in heaven. His wife expressed graditute towards the outpour of love and support of all those that were touched by her husband. She expressed how her husband had planted many seeds of love that have come back to him, in this time of need. Our deepest Condolences to his wife, mother, Children and family ♥. You will be missed, but never forgoten. Descanse en Paz, Senor Hermilio P. Franco!

— MarthaNov. 12, 2010 at 2:02 p.m.“

The owner of several El Farallon night clubs, where a lot of Mexican drug dealers and even members of cartels hung out, makes me think the owner may have gotten involved with the wrong people. It appears he was specifically targeted and there maybe the possibility the suspects where going for the stash of drugs or money.

— FactsNov. 16, 2010 at 9:43 a.m.“

Facts is a hater and doesnt know anything yes the suspects where going after money but the only thing one suspect left with was a shot to the neck. Franco was never involved with drugs he was just a successful business Man!

— FMay 19, 2011 at 9:55 p.m.“

Mexican is not a race. It's a nationality.

— truuffJuly 7, 2014 at 8:37 a.m.“

— truuff What I meant to say, is that he is Hispanic. Like others who are posted on here. Happy?